Dark arts master. Over the course of the season, Arsenal has been tossed that phrase. Mikel Arteta and Co. undoubtedly used more dark arts this week.

Is Bukayo Saka going to be fit? Is Jurrien Timber going to be featured? Even during a Friday training session, the Gunners manager was able to keep them away from the Sky cameras. Naturally, there were concerns that neither would make it.

It appeared that Arsenal was experiencing some sort of injury issue because Riccardo Calafiori was also absent from those photos.

Saka, Bukayo, Arsenal, and Liverpool
Saka and Timber were both included in the starting lineup for Sunday’s match against Liverpool, and the former had a huge impact.

It’s difficult to predict Arsenal’s reaction to that. They led twice, drew 2-2, and had the opportunity—and maybe the duty—to win all three points. As the away team, Liverpool may be the more contented of the two teams.

Even while there were many good things to take away from the game, most notably Saka’s performance, the Gunners unfortunately lost more points.

The finest players for Arsenal against Liverpool

Saka’s possible absence dominated the pregame discussion. The 23-year-old was greatly missed when they suffered a rare Premier League loss in 2024 last weekend against Bournemouth.

As if we needed more proof, he demonstrated his significance against Arne Slot’s team with an outstanding performance, especially in the first half.

Saka, Bukayo, Andy, and Robertson
Following an incredible play, the winger got the ball in the net in just nine minutes. Ben White, a stand-in center-half who performed admirably in lieu of William Saliba due to suspension, received a great assist by looping the ball in behind Andy Robertson, the left-back for Liverpool.

After sprinting onto it and nutmegging the Scottish defender, Saka sent a rasping left-footed shot past the goalie and into the net. It was magnificent and unstoppable.

But Saka wasn’t the only important performer. Mikel Merino, a fellow goal scorer, demonstrated why Arsenal wanted to sign him this summer. He and Declan Rice were outstanding in the middle of the pitch. They won a total of eleven duels between them.

But Thomas Partey, the temporary right-back, too deserves special recognition.

The numerical performance of Thomas Partey

Partey’s matchup with Luis Diaz was always going to be one of the game’s major fights on Sunday.

Because of Arteta and company’s growing defensive problems, Arsenal’s number five was forced to play right-back.

Arsenal Champions League Thomas Partey
Due to Saliba’s suspension and Calafiori’s injuries, regular right-backs were required. White had to play center back, and Jurrien Timber had to play left back. When a center midfielder had to start on the right, there was inevitably concern.

What was Partey’s performance? He was, maybe shockingly, “monstrous” in defense, according to Arsenal content producer Bhavs.

The Ghanaian would have no trouble adjusting to the position of an inverted full-back, but his greatest strength was in defense.

With only nine passes completed and only one of his four dribbling attempts successful, Liverpool winger Diaz received no alteration from the former Atletico Madrid player and was actually replaced shortly after the hour. The great Partey was largely responsible for that.

Liverpool versus Partey

The number of minutes played

90

Feelings

79

Precise passages

39 out of 45 (87%)

Clearances

3.

Interceptions

One

Attacks

5.

Ground battles prevailed.

9/16

The victory of aerial duels

4 out of 5.

Loss of possession

17 times

Fouls

2.

was fouled.

4 times

Dribbles

0

data through Sofascore.

He was very clever at the back, as you can see, winning a staggering 13 duels and five tackles. Despite giving up possession 17 times, he ended the game with an amazing 87% pass accuracy rate.

Partey didn’t contribute much in the forward areas; he didn’t have a shot or register a crucial pass, but it wasn’t his responsibility today. He had a responsibility to keep Diaz silent, and he performed admirably.

Jesus, Merino, and Arsenal
It was helpful to know that the 31-year-old can perform a job in that role when needed, even though this isn’t a long-term solution.